Finding the right words to describe our Alaskan adventure is becoming increasingly challenging. The people here are genuinely wonderful, and while working at the dredge can be exhausting, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Our days off, spent exploring and relaxing in this beautiful state, are filled with unforgettable moments. As always, words and pictures can hardly capture the full essence of our experiences, but we hope our posts give you a glimpse into the joy and excitement we’re feeling.
We had been itching to head south to the coast, so we seized our two days off—Wednesday, July 10th, and Thursday, the 11th—for an adventure. We hit the road right after work on Tuesday the 9th, aiming for Wasilla, a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Fairbanks. Driving in the evening was a breeze since the Alaskan summer sun never really sets, making it feel like daytime even at night. We arrived in Wasilla around 11 PM, with the sun still hanging in the sky. The journey was delightful as we followed the tracks of the Alaskan Railway.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast and a deep dive into brochures and maps, we planned our escapade: Wednesday would be spent exploring the stunning Kenai Peninsula amidst the Coastal Mountain range, and Thursday would be dedicated to the charming inland areas around Palmer, Fishhook, Willow, and Talkeetna.
Leaving Wasilla and heading south meant first going west to navigate around the towering Coastal Range mountains. We cruised through the bustling city of Anchorage and made our way to our first intriguing stop: Beluga Point, located south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. We pulled over to soak in the view, hoping to catch a glimpse of some whales. Although we didn’t spot any, it was still worth the try. Signs at Beluga Point warned us to stay off the mudflats, as the sand can trap anyone who steps on it, making it impossible to pull your foot out. There are chilling stories of people who, unaware of the danger, lost their lives on the mudflats of Cook Inlet, the bay leading to Anchorage.
Beluga Point panoramic view.
Looking south at Beluga Point located on Cook Inlet which leads to Anchorage in the North.
Continuing south on the Seward Highway, we ventured into the Kenai Peninsula and found ourselves amidst the stunning Chugach National Forest, with the majestic Portage Glacier nearby. This glacier, stretching about six miles, got its name from gold rush pioneers who used it for “portaging” between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm. Eager to witness a glacier up close, we booked a one-hour boat ride on Portage Lake that took us right to the foot of the glacier. Despite the breezy and cold weather, the sight was absolutely breathtaking, even under a cloudy sky.
On the opposite side of the lake from the glacier we saw these beautiful waterfalls.
Portage Glacier pouring into Portage Lake.
To the immediate left of Portage Glacier (when viewed from the southern end) lies Burns Glacier. Burns Glacier, a three-mile-long beauty, also heads in a northwesterly direction, with its runoff emptying into Portage Lake. While we couldn’t see Burns Glacier from the boat, we did catch a glimpse of the waterfall created by its runoff. Named in 1915 after the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns, this glacier adds another layer of historical charm to the already breathtaking landscape.
Water flowing from Burns Glacier into Portage Lake. Burns Glacier is in the valley.
We drove to the entrance of the tunnel to Whittier, a place we had recently learned about from a fascinating television documentary. Whittier is unique because all its residents live in a single building—definitely worth watching if you get the chance! The tunnel itself is famous for being the longest highway tunnel in North America. However, considering the lateness of the day, we decided to head back north instead of venturing further to Whittier.
We headed back north to our hotel, making a quick stop in Anchorage along the way. Since arriving in Alaska, we’ve been fascinated by the unique Ulu knife, which seems to be everywhere. Originally used by the Inuit, the Ulu knife features a crescent-shaped blade that concentrates force in the middle, making it perfect for working in tight spaces or around curved surfaces. Here’s a picture of a handmade Damascus blade Ulu knife (not from the Ulu factory).
Handmade Ulu knife.
We woke up on July 11 to another beautiful day. Our itinerary was to travel Northeast and rejoin the Parks highway for our journey back to Fairbanks. Our first stop along the way was Palmer, home of the Alaska State Fair and the gargantuan veggies. Palmer is in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, often referred to as the Mat-Su by the locals. We first stopped at the Matanuska River scenic overlook (search on Google Maps). Again, the pictures don’t do it justice, but this is what it looks like.
Matanuska River scenic overlook in Palmer, AK.
We headed north from Palmer to Hatcher Pass, which our New Hampshire friends, Peter Lawry and Chelle Dunning, told us is very nice. Indeed, it is. The pass is nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains and received its name from Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner who discovered gold in the area back in 1906. This stunning mountain pass sits at an elevation of 3,886 feet (1,148 meters). The pass is best accessed in four-wheel drive. At the top of the pass is Summit Lake, where Allen couldn’t resist trying his luck at catching rainbow trout, while Terri watched an eagle on the shore also hoping for a fishy lunch.
Hatcher Pass Summit. The lake is down the hill behind where we are standing.
Summit Lake.
Video of eagle at Summit Lake.
Picture of eagle.
Friend at the Summit of Hatcher Pass.
Also at the summit of Hatcher Pass is Independence Mine which is at the site where Hatcher found his gold. Technological advances between 1906 and the mid-1930s made the area more accessible for a mining operation. The mine produced over 140,000 ounces of gold between 1938 and 1951. The mine’s name comes from nearby Independence Creek, which prospectors discovered gold in on July 4, 1898. The mine’s “city” once called Boomtown, which even housed a school, is now mostly in ruins. It offers a glimpse into Alaska’s rich mining history. It was once the second-largest gold mining operation in the state.
Independence Mine.
View of Mat-Su Valley from Independence Mine.
Map of Boomtown at Independence Mine.
Willow Creek running beside Hatcher Pass.
From Independence mine, we headed further north to the quaint and historic city of Talkeetna. The name “Talkeetna” comes from the Native American word meaning “where the rivers meet.” It sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna. From there, the three rivers become the Susitna which makes its way to Cook inlet on the Gulf of Alaska.
Talkeetna was established in 1896 as a mining town and trading post, it predates both Wasilla and Anchorage. As we might imagine, it is founded like most towns in Alaska, by a gold rush on the Susitna River which drew prospectors to the area. By 1910, Talkeetna became a riverboat steamer station connecting interior Alaska to the ocean. We enjoyed a leisurely walk down the “main street” of Talkeetna and enjoyed an ice cream on a hot Alaskan summer day. The town doubles in people in the summer months when there are just as many tourists as residents (population of 1,055).
The river’s edge in Talkeetna offers a view of Denali from the south. It was a clear day and we got a glimpse of this great mountain which is around 55 miles northwest as a crow flies. We found out that the park ranger station in Talkeetna serves as the starting point for those brave enough to climb Denali. While it’s an exciting thought, we are realists and will leave that adventure to the younger and more daring among us!
Three rivers coming together in Talkeetna, Alaskan Range with Denali in the background.
Interesting store in Talkeetna.
The main street of Talkeetna.
After our delightful time in Talkeetna, we began our journey back to Fairbanks, a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Along the way, we were treated to more stunning views of Denali and even stopped to watch a bear grazing in Denali State Park.
Bear foraging with Denali (on left) and Alaskan Range in the background.
Close up enlargement of the bear.
View of Denali from the Parks Highway.
Along the Parks Highway with the Alaska Range of Denali Park behind us.
In just two days (and a half if we count the drive from Fairbanks to Wasilla on Tuesday evening), we experienced the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, from the majestic glaciers and historic mining towns to the charming streets of Talkeetna and the awe-inspiring views of Denali. Imagine, we have barely made inroads into this massive land called Alaska. Our 1,000 mile journey took us through diverse landscapes and offered countless memorable moments, making it an adventure we’ll cherish forever.
We are planning our next excursion and will be departing August 6th for Valdez!
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